Happy International Women’s Day to the powerful, hardworking women of Teamsters Local 2010! International Women’s Day is a global celebration of the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. This special holiday has been observed for over 100 years, born out of the struggle of women garment workers fighting inequality and demanding shorter hours, better pay, and dignity in the workplace.

In Local 2010, we are proud to be a Union that unites women and men on an equal basis to fight together for fair treatment for all. We are proud that women are leaders of our Union from the workplace, to staff, to top leadership. We are proud to stand together for equality, fair pay, respectful treatment and an end to workplace abuse and harassment.

Today, the fight for equality continues. Across the United States and countries all over the world, women are holding actions and protest calling for equality, equity, and justice. Even as we make strides towards closing the gender wage gap in our country, it would take until 2059 for women and men to reach equal pay at the current rate of progress. Globally, that number skyrockets with wage parity estimated to take over 200 years. This is unacceptable.

Time and time again, Union membership has proven to be the answer to fight inequality. Unions provide higher wages and benefits. The gender wage gap shrinks significantly among unionized workers with women making 94% of their male counterpart.

At Local 2010, our negotiated contracts standardize wages and our grievance procedures combat gender discrimination in the workplace so women and men receive equal pay for equal work. When we stand together as Teamsters, we have the power to create a workplace free of discrimination..

We encourage everyone to stand together in our Union. Come out to our General Membership meeting this Saturday or register for our upcoming Northern and Southern California Membership Conferences. Northern California members can also register for our Stewards Training taking place later this month. When we stand together, we win together.